At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams and shape delivery models for high-quality outcomes.
- Company: Innovative tech company focused on AI and modern engineering practices.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on work-life balance and career development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-level role driving engineering excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading engineering organisations and strategic planning.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location - Ruddington, Nottinghamshire
Level - Senior Manager
Department - Product R&D
Working Pattern - Hybrid (three days a week in the head office)
We’re hiring a Head of Engineering to shape how engineering operates at scale within a modern, agentic delivery environment. This is a high-impact role where you’ll define and evolve the engineering model, lead high-performing teams and embed practices that drive consistent, high-quality delivery. You’ll play a key role in developing leadership capability, advancing AI-enabled ways of working and ensuring the function is equipped for both current demands and future growth. Partnering closely with Architecture and executive leadership, you’ll influence technology strategy, organisational design, and strategic planning—positioning engineering as a critical driver of business success, not just an enabler.
Responsibilities
- Defines and drives the engineering delivery model across the domain, embedding agentic, spec-driven development with clear standards for squad performance, quality, and delivery rhythm.
- Leads and elevates Engineering Managers and Lead Engineers, fostering accountability, performance, and the ability to run high-impact squads independently.
- Shapes and executes the engineering capability strategy, from agentic maturity and toolchain evolution to skills development and targeted hiring.
- Acts as the senior engineering voice in executive planning, ensuring constraints, risks, and dependencies are clearly understood before commitments are made.
- Partners at the highest level with Architecture and Engineering leadership to steer technology strategy, AI capability, and organisational design.
- Owns functional performance end-to-end, including budget, headcount, and structural improvement, while representing engineering in audits, M&A, and regulated customer environments.
Skills and Experience
- Scales and leads high-performing engineering organisations, building multi-pillar teams with clear accountability for delivery and outcomes.
- Owns and embeds modern, agentic delivery models, setting standards for spec-driven development, tooling, quality, and operating rhythm.
- Drives capability at scale by developing strong managers, shaping workforce strategy, and closing skill and maturity gaps.
- Brings executive-level presence, confidently representing engineering in strategic, commercial, and board-level discussions.
- Aligns engineering priorities with business goals, managing budgets, headcount, and organisational design to maximise impact.
- Leads through transformation with a focus on AI adoption, technical evolution, and excellence in regulated environments including security, compliance, and audit readiness.
We value work-life balance and welcome candidates seeking flexible arrangements.
Head of Engineering in Ruddington employer: Ideagen
As a leading employer in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, we offer an exceptional work environment for our Head of Engineering role, characterised by a strong commitment to employee growth and innovation. Our hybrid working model promotes work-life balance while fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance, empowering you to shape engineering practices that drive business success. With opportunities for leadership development and a focus on AI-enabled strategies, you'll be at the forefront of transforming our engineering capabilities in a supportive and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering in Ruddington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its engineering practices. Understand their tech stack and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards—head over to our website and submit your application directly! This way, you’ll stand out and show that you’re proactive about joining our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you top of mind and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the best fit for the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering in Ruddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Engineering role. Highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams and any specific achievements that align with our engineering delivery model. We want to see how you can shape engineering at scale!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can drive our engineering capabilities forward. Don’t forget to mention your experience with AI adoption and strategic planning.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We’re looking for someone who can elevate teams and foster accountability. Share examples of how you've developed managers and built multi-pillar teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ideagen
✨Know Your Engineering Models
Make sure you’re well-versed in modern, agentic delivery models. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented spec-driven development and set standards for squad performance in your previous roles. This shows you understand the core of what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams. Talk about how you’ve fostered accountability and performance among Engineering Managers and Lead Engineers. They want to see your ability to elevate others and run impactful squads.
✨Align with Business Goals
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve aligned engineering priorities with broader business objectives. Share specific instances where you managed budgets and headcount effectively to maximise impact. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and executive-level presence.
✨Embrace AI and Technical Evolution
Since AI adoption is a key focus, come armed with insights on how you’ve driven capability at scale through technology evolution. Discuss any relevant experiences in regulated environments, especially around security and compliance, to show you’re ready for the challenges ahead.
